NCJ Number
44500
Date Published
1977
Length
0 pages
Annotation
THIS FILM, DESIGNED FOR AN ADOLESCENT AUDIENCE, POINTS OUT THE CAUSES AND CONSEQUENCES OF MALICIOUS DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY IN AN ATTEMPT TO REDUCE THE INCIDENCE OF VANDALISM.
Abstract
DRAMATIC ENACTMENTS OF ACTS OF VANDALISM COMMITTED BY INDIVIDUAL YOUTHS OR BY GROUPS DEPICT THE MANY WAYS IN WHICH PROPERTY DAMAGE CAN BE INFLICTED. THE PRIMARY CAUSE OF SUCH WANTON DESTRUCTION, THE NARRATOR INDICATES, IS THE VANDAL'S DESIRE TO HAVE 'FUN.' THE IMMATURE YOUTH, HOWEVER, DOES NOT SEE THE CONSEQUENCE OF HIS ACTION AS THE ADULT WOULD. THE COST OF CLEAN-UP OR REPAIR ($1 BILLION ANNUALLY) AFTER VANDALISM IS STRESSED, ALONG WITH THE FACT THAT THE PERPETRATOR IS OFTEN HIS OWN VICTIM (AS IN THE CASE OF DESTRUCTION OF PUBLIC PROPERTY, FROM WHICH ALL MEMBERS OF A COMMUNITY SUFFER). THE SCENES OF INCREASINGLY SERIOUS VANDALISM CULMINATE IN THE DEPICTION OF A SEVERE INJURY WHEN A MOTORIST IS HURT BY A ROCK DROPPED ONTO FREEWAY TRAFFIC. YOUTHS ARE URGED TO CONSIDER THE CONSEQUENCES OF THEIR 'FUN' BEFORE COMMITTING ACTS OF VANDALISM AND ALSO TO THINK FOR THEMSELVES RATHER THAN TO BE SWAYED BY PEER PRESSURE.